Krischel Estrella of Vested Interest says vests can cost nearly $3,000 each, so fundraisers make a big difference for local departments.

“Unfortunately, a lot of departments don’t have the budget to cover them. And while they’re required for the human officer, often times those vests aren’t even provided by the department for the human officer,” Estrella said. “The K-9 is unfortunately sometimes last on the list for those funds.”

Two private donors helped fund the vests for a K-9 in Plymouth and one in Edina.

Organizers hoped to raise enough money Saturday to help a K-9 officer in Princeton and possibly a fourth dog as well.